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Board of Trustees · Leadership & Governance

Governance built on trust.

The Board of Trustees provides strategic leadership, ethical stewardship, and independent governance for Open Gate Foundation (OGF) Kenya. The Board ensures full compliance with the NGO Coordination Act of Kenya, applicable national regulations, international standards, and donor requirements.

Trustees uphold financial integrity, program accountability, and transparency in all operations. They are committed to safeguarding principles and promoting survivor-centered, rights-based approaches across all programs and partnerships.

Leadership & Stewardship

Strong governance.
Shared responsibility.

OGF's governance structure brings together experienced trustees, technical professionals, and implementation leaders who work together to protect the Foundation's mission and strengthen its impact.

From financial stewardship to program accountability, governance is designed to ensure that resources are responsibly managed and that communities remain at the center of the work.

Community leadership and collaboration
Accountability at every level Independent oversight, transparent stewardship and community-driven impact.
Board of Trustees

The people behind responsible governance.

Our trustees bring diverse experience in finance, community development, women and children's rights, education, health, governance, youth empowerment, and organizational development.

01
Janet Gaciuki
Chairperson

Janet Gaciuki

Strategic Philanthropy & Financial Stewardship

Provides overall leadership and strategic direction to the Foundation, ensuring OGF maintains accountability and long-term impact.

02
Evelyn Kathure
Treasurer

Evelyn Kathure

Finance & Community Service

Oversees financial management, budgeting, and compliance, strengthening transparent resource management and accountability systems.

03
Job Kimathi Gikundi
Secretary

Job Kimathi Gikundi

Counseling, Social Work & Community Development

Coordinates governance documentation and board administration, supporting OGF's psychosocial and community-centered programming.

04
Elizabeth Muthoni
Trustee

Elizabeth Muthoni

Women & Children Advocacy

Champions protection and empowerment initiatives for women and children, guiding OGF's safeguarding and advocacy programs.

05
Mary Wacera
Trustee

Mary Wacera

Health & Community Mobilization

Contributes expertise in community health programming and mobilization strategies, strengthening outreach and grassroots engagement.

06
Justa Gaichugi
Trustee

Justa Gaichugi

Business & Economic Empowerment

Provides guidance on entrepreneurship, livelihoods, and women's economic strengthening initiatives.

07
Ann Njeri
Trustee

Ann Njeri

Education & Child Welfare

Supports education-focused interventions and child protection strategies within OGF's programming.

08
Paul Njoroge
Trustee

Paul Njoroge

Governance & Organizational Development

Strengthens institutional governance frameworks, policy development, and organizational growth strategies.

09
Jane Karimi
Trustee

Jane Karimi

Youth & Women's Empowerment

Guides youth engagement and gender equality programming, ensuring inclusive development approaches.

10
Susan Wachira
Trustee

Susan Wachira

Health, HIV/AIDS & Social Work

Brings experience in public health, HIV/AIDS programming, and social work, contributing to OGF's health and psychosocial interventions.

Community collaboration
Team collaboration
Leadership team
Management & Implementation Team

Turning governance into action.

The Leadership Team translates board oversight into action, driving program design, implementation, and accountability across thematic councils and grassroots initiatives.

Core Leadership

Evelyn Kathure
Co Founder · Executive Director

Evelyn Kathure

Intersectional Justice & Youth Mobilization

Founder and visionary leader, championing gender-responsive, rights-based climate adaptation strategies and youth empowerment.

Job Kimathi Gikundi
Co-Founder · Executive Director

Job Kimathi Gikundi

Coordination & Strategic Support

Provides direct support in program oversight, coordination, and implementation. Ensures smooth alignment between thematic councils, grassroots partners, and donor priorities. Plays a key role in translating strategy into action and strengthening survivor-led governance.

Maureen Makena
Director of Programs

Maureen Makena

Environmental Health & Community Resilience

Designs and implements youth-led climate and health programs, ensuring participatory, inclusive frameworks.

John Mukaria
Finance & Compliance Officer

John Mukaria

Transparent Grant Stewardship

Oversees financial management, compliance, and donor accountability, safeguarding organizational integrity.

Technical & Climate Justice Experts

Jamlick Muchui

Jamlick Muchui

Head of Climate-Smart Agriculture
Agroforestry & Indigenous Innovation
Dr. D. M. Memeu

Dr. D. M. Memeu

Technical Advisor (Green Energy)
Renewable Energy & Agricultural Innovation
Dorcus Kajuju

Dorcus Kajuju

Gender & Inclusion Officer
Intersectional Climate Action

Implementation & Advocacy Team

Liz Joy

Liz Joy

Advocacy & Communications Lead
Narrative Power & Policy Influence
Micheck Gatobu

Micheck Gatobu

Impact & Reporting Officer
Grassroots Accountability
Alice Marete

Alice Marete

Community Resilience Lead
Local Stakeholder Engagement
Caroline Karimi

Caroline Karimi

Logistics & Resource Coordinator
Operational Sustainability
Governance & Leadership Synergy

One structure. Many strengths.

Each level of leadership has a distinct role while working toward one shared mission.

01

Board of Trustees

Provides oversight, compliance, and strategic direction.

02

Leadership Team

Translates vision into programmatic action.

03

Technical Experts

Deliver specialized knowledge in climate, energy, and inclusion.

04

Implementation Team

Ensures grassroots accountability, advocacy, and operational sustainability.

Governance that serves the mission.

Together, this structure ensures survivor-led governance, donor confidence, and community-driven impact across Kenya.

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